Barbuda sees a comeback of national bird after Hurricane Irma

[Judi Lynn]

By Gemma Handy
St John's, Antigua
25 June 2018



Hurricane Irma did not just wipe out homes, infrastructure and livelihoods when it tore through the Caribbean island of Barbuda last September. The category five storm also wreaked havoc on the habitat of the tiny island's world-famous frigatebird colony.

Codrington Lagoon is said to be the second-largest nesting area outside the Galapagos and has attracted tourists for decades.



But most of the erstwhile 10,000-strong frigatebird population disappeared in the immediate aftermath of the disaster when the catastrophic winds destroyed the mangroves in which they nest and breed.

The aptly named magnificent frigatebirds are famed for their colossal 7ft (2.1m) wingspan and the males' spectacular show of flirting by puffing out their throats into a bright red balloon during mating season.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-44547090

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Branson is a true

environmentalist.

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Frigate birds scoff at your friggin' hurricane. nt